Government

Statewide Burn Ban Issued by DEC Due to Elevated Fire Risk October 2 – 15th

Published

7 months ago

October 8, 2025

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a statewide burn ban effective from October 2 through October 15, 2025, in response to ongoing dry conditions and an increased risk of wildfires.

The temporary ban prohibits most outdoor burning, including:

Burning of brush or debris
Uncontained outdoor fires, including open campfires
Burning of garbage or leaves (already banned year-round in New York State)

Exceptions include small, contained fires such as:

Backyard fire pits under three feet high and four feet wide
Small, contained cooking fires
Charcoal and propane grills used safely

The DEC will reevaluate conditions prior to the October 15 expiration to determine if the ban needs to be extended.

These conditions are the result of continued low rainfall, low humidity, and gusty winds. Since August, DEC Forest Rangers have responded to 64 wildland fires across the state.

Water Conservation Urged

In addition to fire safety precautions, residents are encouraged to conserve water whenever possible to support firefighting efforts and maintain critical supply levels.

For the latest updates and fire danger maps, visit the DEC website at dec.ny.gov.

Government

Rockland County Urges Water Conservation as Climate Change Impacts Supply

Published

2 weeks ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Task Force on Water Resources Management is encouraging residents to learn how climate change is affecting water availability and what steps they can take to protect the county’s supply.

Experts say climate change is increasingly being viewed as a water crisis, as rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns lead to stronger storms, flooding, and drought. Although water covers much of the planet, less than one percent of freshwater is readily available for human use, making conservation critical.

Rockland County depends entirely on local surface and groundwater sources to serve homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities. As the population grows and climate conditions evolve, officials say responsible water use is essential to maintaining a stable supply.

“Protecting our water supply is essential to the long-term health and economic stability of Rockland County,” said Ed Day. “Education and conservation are key tools that help ensure our water resources remain reliable for future generations.”

💧 Simple Ways to Conserve Water

Residents can make a meaningful impact with small, everyday actions:

Fix household leaks promptly
Take shorter showers
Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
Use water-efficient appliances
Plant native or drought-tolerant landscaping
Water lawns and gardens efficiently

Reducing water use also lowers energy consumption, since energy is required to pump, treat, and heat water—helping cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials encourage residents to follow the task force online for updates, resources, and conservation tips. More information is available through the county’s water conservation program.

Government

Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks and Minnows to Fight Summer Mosquitoes

Published

2 weeks ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is giving residents two free tools to fight mosquitoes:

1. Mosquito Dunks®

Donut-shaped tablets placed in standing water
Kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults
Safe for use in:
- Unused/covered pools
- Hot tubs
- Other stagnant water containers

2. Fathead minnows

Small fish that eat mosquito larvae (up to ~200 per day each)
Good for:
- Unused pools
- Ornamental ponds
- Water sources with at least 8 inches of water